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Fort Sill, I. T. Dec. 10. 1874.

A. Adjut. Gen'l., Dep't. of Texas, Sir:

            Referring to your communication, dated Dec.8, 1874, I have the honor to submit the following as my answers to the questions contained therein, based upon personal observation during expeditions to McClellan Creek and the country in that vicinity in 1871 and 1874.:

Answer No. 1. __ McClellan Creek - the water is permanent, running below the forks, 15 miles from the mouth, even in dry seasons and existing in deep holes fed by springs. Slightly impregnated with gypsum and other salts of lime, with some sulphur, but not disagreable to the taste.

                      -North Fork - in 1871, after a dry season, no water was found in the North Fork, just below the mouth of McClellan Creek.  In 1874 water was only found in holes, above the mouth of McClellan Creek and this after recent rains.  No reliance can be placed in the permanency of the supply.  The water is impregnated more or less with gypsum.
                    - Sweetwater Creek - at the longitude of the mouth of McClellan Creek, very little water is to be found in the Sweetwater as it heads at or near this locality.  Farther down, at a point about 25 miles from the mouth of McClellan Creek, there is an abundance of water, perfectly sweet and unfailing in the driest seasons.

Answer No. 2. -- The timber to be found on each of these streams is of the same character, consisting of cottonwood and hackberry or small size occurring in small clumps or scattered along the course of the river or creek, but not in large quantity. At the longitude mentions, or in that vicinity, the greatest amount of wood for fuel can be obtained on the Sweetwater, about 25 miles from its mouth, as it is not more than 8 or 10 miles from Gazeby's Creek, where a quantity exists. Answer No. 3 -- The best and most abundant grass is to be found on the Sweetwater. Answer No. 4 -- I same some limestone on the North Fork, but as the whole country is geologically a limestone formation, I have no doubt that stone suitable for building purposes can be found on either the North Fork or Sweetwater. Answer No. 5. -- The country near the North Fork and McClellan Creek is rolling, sandy and covered with shin oak, very little grass being found on the hills. Near the Sweetwater, a better quality of soil occurs and grass suitable for grazing is found on the high ground. Answer No. 6. -- Did not notice any evidence of coal, excepting an oily substance, resembling petroleum, which was seen on some ponds near McClellan Creek. Answer No. 7. -- The Sweetwater at about longitude 100 degree 20' W. is the most favorably situated, as far as timber is concerned. From this